ACESThe 13th Annual Celebration

of Excellence by Students

Award Recipients

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs

Ahoura Zandiatashbar

Urban Planning and Public Policy, Graduate Student

College of Business Jin Chung

Marketing, Graduate Student

College of Education

Maria Delgado Educational Leadership, Graduate Student

College of Engineering

Loan Bui Bioengineering, Graduate Student

Divya Chalise

Mechanical Engineering, Undergraduate Student

College of Liberal Arts

Seula Han

Linguistics, Graduate Student

College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Seungyong Lee

Kinesiology, Graduate Student

College of Science

Shafaq Amdani Moten

Physics, Graduate Student

Christina Koo

Biology, Undergraduate Student

School of Social Work

Maria Cole

Social Work, Graduate Student

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award

College of Engineering

Kelli Greenwood

Civil Engineering, Undergraduate Student

Ashley Guy

Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Student

Gomathy Radhakrishna Iyer

Civil Engineering, Graduate Student

Md Sohel Mahmood

Electrical Engineering, Graduate Student

College of Liberal Arts

DeAnne Hurtado

Political Science, Graduate Student

Esther Kentish

English, Undergraduate Student

College of Science Min Gao

Earth and Environmental Science, Graduate Student

Misty Martin

Chemistry, Undergraduate Student

Chuong Nguyen

Chemistry, Graduate Student

Ilia Ponomarev

Chemistry, Graduate Student

Halie Rion

Chemistry, Undergraduate Student

A. Paige Wicker

Chemistry, Graduate Student

School of Social Work

Veronica Lopez Social Work, Graduate Student

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs

The Forgotten Dimension: National Investigation of the Relationship between Urban Form and Regional Innovative Capacity

Presenter: Ahoura Zandiatashbar, Urban Planning and Public Policy Graduate Student

Mentor: Shima Hamidi

Group Members: Shima Hamidi

Abstract:

In the era of knowledge economy, knowledge is seen to be the driver of economic growth. Although the role of built environment and knowledge production has been well studied, there is little evidence on how urban form influences regional innovative capacity. To address this gap, this study examines the relation between urban sprawl and regional innovative capacity. Accounting for confounding factors, we found that for every percentage increase in the metropolitan compactness index, the percentage of patent generated per capita increases by 0.38 and the percentage of small business' innovations increases by 0.47, while there is a positive correlation between metroplitan compactness index and number of innovative firms. The lack of opportunities for knowledge spillover and spatial proximity of economic drivers in the sprawling areas could be possible explanations. Moreover, the knowledgeable millennials generally do not prefer to live in sprawling areas.

Keywords: innovative capacity, accessibility, built environment, urban sprawl, compactness

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Business

Brightness-Hierarchy Congruence Effect: Darker Comes First

Presenter: Jin Chung, Marketing Graduate Student

Mentor: Saini Ritesh

Abstract:

I propose a brightness-hierarchy congruence effect where consumers relate color lightness (darker versus. lighter) with inter-item hierarchy (higher versus. lower). In other words, people associate a higher hierarchy item (e.g., a shampoo) with a darker color (e.g., dark navy packaging color), and associate a lower hierarchy item (e.g., a conditioner) with a lighter color (e.g., sky blue packaging color). Hence, in the domain of complementary products, those bundles where the primary product is darker and the secondary product is lighter in packaging are more preferred than any other bundle configuration.

Two studies (study 1 =97 participants, study 2 = 81 participants) confirmed that people prefer the congruent bundles. Specifically, the dark-colored detergent (shampoo in study 2) paired with light-colored softener (conditioner in study 2) induced more positive product evaluation than any of the other three paired bundles (p=.012 in study 1, p=.005 in study 2).

In study 3, 250 participants of AMTurk were asked to categorize 16 different sets containing of a higher hierarchy and a lower hierarchy item (e.g., a main & a side dish). They were asked to put each of the items into a darker or a lighter colored basket as they saw fit. Results revealed that 76% of the categorizations were congruent, where the higher hierarchy item was tagged with the darker color basket (Binomial Test, p>0.0001).

In study 4, 250 participants of AMTurk answered to 8 scenario-based questions where they have to choose the more suitable products (darker vs. lighter) for two different people or item (higher vs lower hierarchy). 82% of the choices were congruent, where a darker product was chosen for the higher hierarchy person or item (Binomial Test, p>0.0001). We also examined an individual difference which moderates the effect demonstrated in previous studies. According to Neuberg and Newsom (1993), people possess a different degree of tolerance for information ambiguity, a trait referred to as the “personal need for structure” (PNS). Results revealed that PNS is highly correlated with participants’ rate of congruent choices (r=+0.176, p=0.005). People high in PNS chose darker objects far more often for a higher hierarchy item.

Four studies convergingly demonstrate that individuals tend to link a higher (lower) hierarchy item to a darker (lighter) color. We also demonstrated that a consumer’s “need for structure” moderates this preference.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Education

Women of Color Leading Community Colleges

Presenter: Maria Delgado, Educational Leadership Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Taryn Allen Ozuna

Abstract:

Using De Anda's (1984) framework of Bicultural Socialization theory that indicates that individuals from minority groups have to learn to function in two environments, the environment of their own culture and that of the main society culture. This research study presents findings from a qualitative study that examined how women of color (African American, Asian American, American Indian, and Hispanic) navigated the community college system and were able to achieve success by obtaining higher-level administrative positions. Five women of color who hold higher ranking administrative positions at a community college district in Texas shared their experiences, achievements, adversities, and resiliency approaches. It also examined obstacles these women of color encountered, the individuals and resources that supported their success and the role that culture played in their professional success. The significance of this study expands the literature about women of color in higher-level administration and contributes to the change in the hiring practices that community colleges currently use. Fully understanding the extensiveness of women of color in higher-level administrative positions in community colleges in Texas is important because women of color serve as an asset and resource for students, thus the significance of this study also provides a paradigm to current community college leaders about practices for employee recruitment and retention that benefit women of color. Lastly, this study contributes to the literature about the influence that culture has in the career path of women of color in higher-level administrative positions. Recommendations for practice and future research are also discussed.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Engineering

Characterization of Various Changes in Biomolecules of Cells during Their Migration in Physical Confinement

Presenter: Loan Bui, Bioengineering Graduate Student

Mentor: Young-Tae Kim

Group Members: Tamara Hill, Sayem H Bhuiyan, Qionghua Shen, Vanessa Saavedra, Calvin Kong and Young-tae Kim

Abstract:

Cancer metastasis is a leading cause of death due to the trouble of single cells escaping from primary cancer and invading distant sites. Current cancer research has focused on the migrating capabilities of these aberrant cells. In most in vitro studies, the cells were cultured on traditional petri dishes (2D culture). As concerns have been raised regarding the possible lack of invasive characteristics of cells collected from 2D culture, many researchers have shifted to three-dimensional (3D) culture of cancer cells. However, retrieving large amounts of cells during their migration and/or separating them from 3D environments become the major challenges that limit many experimental quantifications including those for DNA, RNA and protein analysis. This drawback might lead to a lack of understanding key features of cancer metastasis. We hereby developed a microchannel device which facilitated the collection of cells during their migration in 3D physical confinements. Subsequently, we would be able to perform further bio-molecular studies. Each device consisted of multiple microchannels providing enough space to house a significant number of migrating cells. Cells were introduced and allowed enough time to migrate through the microchannels. Once cells had occupied the majority of microchannel areas, the device was easily isolated for migrating cell collection. Using G55, an aggressive brain cancer cell line, we were able to quantify the expression of numerous biomarkers from migrating cells such as βIII Tubulin. Showing the differences in biomarker expression between migrating cells and cells seeded on 2D would elucidate more unknown features of cancer metastasis. The technique was simple but showed novel quantification capabilities in migrating cancer cells, making it a promising tool for cancer study.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Engineering

An Experimentally Validated Method for Temperature Prediction During Cyclic Operation of a Li-ion Cell

Presenter: Divya Chalise, Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Ankur Jain

Group Members: Krishna Shah, Lidiya Komsiyska, and Tobias Halama

Abstract:

Heat generation during the operation of a Li-ion cell results in large temperature rise, particularly at high discharge rates. Accurate prediction of temperature rise during operation is a key technical challenge that directly affects both performance and safety. Li-ion cells are often used in cyclic charge/discharge manner, making this a particularly important process to study. This research presents an experimentally-validated analytical method to rapidly and accurately predict the temperature field in a Li-ion cell undergoing cyclic charge and discharge. The method, based on recursive solution of the governing energy equation in each period of the cyclic process, is shown to result in very good agreement with experimental data for over fifty cycles of high-rate cycling of cylindrical 18650 Li-ion cells with the maximum disagreement of only 5.7%. Results indicate that heat loss through the metal foil that provides electrical interconnection is a critical process that governs overall thermal behavior of the cell. A novel technique based on determining the effective heat transfer coefficient of the interconnection is studied and described, and it is shown that accounting for this effect results in very good agreement with experimental data. Results from this research may be helpful for design of Li-ion cell systems, as well as real-time temperature prediction and performance optimization.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Liberal Arts

Acoustic Analysis of /s/ Palatalization in English Loanwords in Korean

Presenter: Seula Han, Linguistics Graduate Student

Mentor: Cynthia Kilpatrick

Abstract:

Loanword phonology has been extensively researched cross-linguistically since the late 1980s, as it relates to phonetics and perception in phonology. When a language adopts words from another language, it tries to adopt them as close to their original forms as possible while trying to bring the words into conformity with its phonology at the same time (Silverman 1992). Research on English loanword phonology in Korean has reported on various types of phonological modification. However, there have been very few studies that closely examined the adaptation of the palatal /ʃ/ in English words borrowed into Korean. The primary goal of this study is to examine the process of /s/ palatalization in word-initial position in English loanwords adopted into Korean using experimental data.

The research questions investigated are: (1) How does Korean adopt English loanwords with the palatal /ʃ/ in word-initial position when it is not followed by a high front vowel? (2) After the modification, how similar is the modified /s/ to the English palatal /ʃ/?

The participants were native speakers of Korean who are proficient in English. In a sound-proof booth, they were asked to produce English loanwords adopted into Korean while their production was being recorded. The stimuli consisted of English-based loanwords with /s/ followed by a high front vowel, English-based loanwords with /s/ followed by a glide, and Korean words with /s/ followed by a high front vowel. The recordings were analyzed acoustically using the software Praat, focusing on spectral center of gravity (CoG) to examine the varying degrees of palatalization.

The results reveal some interesting characteristics of /s/ palatalization in English loanwords adopted into Korean. The presentation will discuss the differences in acoustic features of /s/ in various environments. The impact of the study and possible future directions will also be discussed.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Novel, Bone-like Ossified Particles in the Peripheral Circulation of Male Fischer-344 Rats Across the Lifespan

Presenter: Seungyong Lee, Kinesiology Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Rhonda D. Prisby

Group Members: Sophie Guderian

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: We previously reported bone marrow blood vessel [BMBV] ossification (i.e., the conversion of bone marrow blood vessels into bone) across the lifespan in male Fischer-344 rats (Prisby, 2014; Guderian, ASBMR 2015). Augmented BMBV ossification at 24 months coincided with reduced trabecular bone volume and several hematological parameters (i.e., RBC, Hgb, Hct and %LY). Further, examination of ossified BMBV under ultra-high magnification revealed the presence of presumed ossified particles (OSP) at the abluminal and luminal surfaces. PURPOSE: We sought to assess whether OSP were present in the peripheral circulation. METHODS: Ventricular whole blood samples were collected from male Fischer-344 rats (1-mon, n=4; 12-mon, n=4 and 24-mon, n=5) and processed to identify OSP. OSP were quantified and sorted with a BD FACSAria II flow cytometer. Sorted particles were subsequently imaged with confocal and scanning electron microscopy. The composition of OSP were determined via elemental analysis. OSP diameter and size distribution were assessed from 2 rats per group utilizing SEM microphotographs and Image J. RESULTS: Body mass (p<0.05) increased with age between 1- and 12-mon. OSP were observed at all ages (1-mon, 2283±511 per 500 µL; 12-mon 7922±1905 per 500 µL and 24-mon 3181±997 per 500 µL), peaking at 12-mon (p<0.05 vs. 1-mon and 24-mon). The diameters of OSP ranged from 1–30µm (1-mon), 1-33µm (12-mon) and 1-16µm (24-mon). The frequency of OSP ranging in diameter from 0-5µm (1-mon, 32; 12-mon, 32; and 24-mon, 61), 5-10µm (1-mon, 4; 12-mon, 13; and 24-mon, 7) and 10-15 µm (1-mon, 2; 12-mon, 5; and 24-mon, 3) were similar among groups. OSP > 15 µm were observed at all ages (1-mon, 2; 12-mon, 4; and 24-mon, 1). OSP contained calcium as assessed via elemental analysis and, morphologically, some OSP had rough and jagged edges. Extrapolated values of OSP count in the circulation according to an average blood volume for a rat (i.e., 64ml/kg BW) are ~45,000 (1-mon), ~428,000 (12-mon) and ~162,000 (24-mon). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of bone-like particles in the peripheral circulation of rats. OSP > 15 mm may serve as emboli to small blood vessels, increasing the risk of blockage. At minimum, the rough morphology of OSP may contribute to damage of the endothelial cell lining. Finally, circulating OSP may contribute to ectopic bone formation if they gain access to soft peripheral tissues.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Science

Overcoming the Challenges of Storing Plutonium Oxides.

Presenter: Shafaq Amdani Moten, Physics Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Muhammad Huda

Abstract:

Plutonium, a radioactive material with applications in nuclear fuels, is stored as plutonium oxide power with PuO2 being the most stable form. Stored in steel canisters, these materials have long half-lives and emit alpha particles. In number of cases, it has been observed that the canisters have malfunctioned over a period of time in various storing facilities. This poses a great hazard to the environment. Since the "Pure" stored samples include about 3%-8% of impurities, it is important to understand the interaction of these impurities within the bulk PuO2. Our study explores the interaction of the most likely of metal impurities within PuO2. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT), we calculated a substituted metal impurity in 2x2x2 PuO2 supercell. We also calculated the effect of the impurity around an oxygen vacancy. An impurity can affect the band structure and the subsequent behavior of the system. Our results reveal interesting volume contraction of PuO2 supercell when one plutonium atom is substituted with a metal atom.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation College of Science

Effects of the copper tolerance protein on symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum

Presenter: Christina Koo, Biology Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Woo-Suk Chang

Group Members: Dylan Parks, Hae-In Lee, Sarbjeet Niraula, Ishanka Hemachandra, Amanda Plein, Arunika Oyshi, Mouhamed Gueye

Abstract:

Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA110 is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium which forms a symbiotic relationship with leguminous soybean plants Glycine max, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. The process of nodulation involves signaling components from the plant and activation of genes which promote nodule formation. Soybean lectin, a carbohydrate-binding protein, may be a crucial component in nodulation. In previous DNA microarray studies, the copper tolerance protein, bll2211 (copB), was differentially expressed when exposed to soybean lectin. Thus, we hypothesize copB plays a role in nodule formation in the presence of heavy metal stress. In this study, the role of environmental copper exposure was investigated to understand its role in growth and nodulation of B. japonicum. The gene bll2211, encoding a copper tolerance protein, was mutagenized via double-homologous recombination. We examined this gene by construction of a growth curve and a pouch experiment at various concentrations of copper for B. japonicum and its mutant ∆copB through comparison of the symbiotic phenotype in G. max plants. The results of this study showed there was less growth, nodule formation, and nitrogen-fixation in the mutant strain than the wild type at higher concentrations of copper. This indicated that copB may play a role in nodulation between B. japonicum and soybean plants in heavy metal stress. A better understanding of this symbiotic gene could allow for better optimization of biological nitrogen fixation for more efficient agricultural practices.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation School of Social Work

Poverty Alleviation Solutions

Presenter: Maria Cole, Social Work Graduate Student

Mentor: Marta Mercado, Ph.D.

Abstract:

Background

Current poverty alleviation legislation provides some economic relief to select families, but fails to address the psychosocial needs of the marginalized population. The primary non-medical poverty alleviation policies are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs have remain largely unchanged since their adoption in 1996 despite persistent and worsening poverty nationwide.

Methods

I conducted a comprehensive literature review which revealed that poverty is a leading factor in mortality, education, crime, and health-related quality-of-life outcomes. Several studies illuminated community engagement activities, agendas, and initiatives that have helped to mitigate poverty. These bodies of evidence presented evidence detailing factors that contribute to poverty conditions, and offered several evidence-based, effective programs to combat poverty.

I constructed a cost-benefits ratio to examine TANF's costs and outcomes. Next, I utilized public policy analysis' normative methods to review policy effectiveness. Finally, I compared the costs-benefits ratios of several validated poverty alleviation programs to the costs of the TANF program.

Results

The TANF and SNAP programs account for about $362 billion annually. There was no conclusive evidence, however, that TANF policies decrease poverty. In contrast, implementation costs of the reviewed programs cost less than current TANF programs and yielded more positive results.

Conclusions

The indicators that predict poverty also render it nearly inescapable. Individuals who experience poverty may be unable to avoid their plight and continue to reproduce under like conditions, thereby, enabling inescapable poverty to persist. Evidence-based supplemental programs are needed to help alleviate poverty.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Engineering

The Use of Modified Moisture Barrier to Mitigate Edge Cracking in Flexible Pavement in North Texas

Presenter: Kelli Greenwood, Civil Engineering Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Sahadat Hossain

Group Members: Aya Shishani, Asif Ahmed

Abstract:

In addition to causing shrinkage and swelling in expansive subgrade, variation in moisture alters the material properties of soil, which ultimately affect pavement performance. The appearance of longitudinal cracks near the edge of pavement as a result of seasonal moisture variation is common in North Texas. In order to combat this intrusion of moisture near the edge of pavement, both horizontal and vertical moisture barriers have been used with limited success. The current study utilizes a modified and new moisture barrier (a combination geomembrane and geocomposite) to control moisture intrusion into the subgrade soil. The current study monitors variation of subgrade moisture content, rainfall, and pavement deformation of a section of Farm-to-Market (FM) 987 near Kaufman, Texas. A previous study near the area produced significant moisture variation with evident correlation with rainfall and concluded that pavement deformation varied with rainfall. The current study includes two sections, a section with the modified moisture barrier and a control section without the barrier. The continuous monitoring program includes moisture content and deflection measurements in both sections. The section with the moisture barrier is expected to exhibit lower moisture variation and less pavement deformation than the control section.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Engineering

A Multiscale Thermostat for Fast Temperature-Controlled Molecular Dynamics

Presenter: Ashley Guy, Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Alan Bowling

Group Members: Abhishek Chatterjee, Doctoral Student

Abstract:

This work investigates the application of a known multiscale method to an atomistic dynamical simulation. These simulations are notorious for requiring significant computational resources to generate even modest time evolutions. The multiscale method has been shown to greatly reduce the computation time required to simulate sub-micron continuum simulations of motor proteins, estrogen molecules, and micro-beads. The goal of this work is to adapt the known continuum formulation to the atomistic scale to similarly reduce the computation time required.

A molecular dynamics simulation was performed to test the proposed formulation. A eutectic blend of sodium and potassium nitrate ions were selected for the model. Active forces are electrostatic and Lennard-Jones potential forces. A modified Nose-Hoover thermostat is used to maintain a temperature constraint. Stochastic forces are introduced to model random thermal fluctuations.

Results show that the scaled system exhibits reduced computation time and larger usable integration time steps. Relative differences between scaled and unscaled time evolutions can be regulated through a scaling factor.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Engineering

Development of landfill biocovers from yard waste to oxidize methane escaping from landfills

Presenter: Gomathy Radhakrishna Iyer, Civil Engineering Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Melanie L. Sattler

Abstract:

When microorganisms degrade organic waste in landfills under anaerobic conditions, they produce landfill gas, which is about 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide. Although both methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases, methane is 28 times more potent. The contribution of landfills to climate change can be reduced by using innovative landfill cover materials which oxidize methane to the less-potent carbon dioxide. Biocovers, which are biologically active landfill covers, are one such innovative type of cover. Although compost has been tested as a biocover material, fresh yard waste has not. Since yard waste constitutes 13% of the US waste stream, finding beneficial uses for it is important. This study was thus conducted to investigate whether fresh yard waste by itself, or along with biosolids and fly ash, can enhance methane oxidation in landfill covers. Physical and chemical parameters of yard waste, biosolids, and fly ash were determined. Aerobic batch reactors were then set up to quantify the methane oxidation capacity of grass clippings, leaves, biosolids and fly ash individually and in combination to form different carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The highest biocover performance indexes were exhibited by 1) leaves by themselves (1.39 μg of methane oxidized per g of biocover material per hr), 2) a mixture of grass clippings and biosolids with a C/N ratio of 12 (1.24 μg/g/hr), and 3) glass clippings by themselves (1.13 μg/g/hr). However, fly ash by itself did not contribute to methane oxidation.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Engineering

Flexible and bendable MEMS accelerometer fabricated using double UV-LIGA process

Presenter: Md Sohel Mahmood, Electrical Engineering Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Zeynep Celik-Butler

Abstract:

MEMS accelerometers have various sensing applications including wearable industry, biosensors, electronic display etc. The miniaturization and large scale commercialization of the devices has been possible for the unprecedented development of micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology. Recent development of MEMS devices incorporates the possibility of bending when fabricated on flexible substrate. Design, fabrication process and characterization of conformal accelerometers are presented here. Three different geometries of accelerometers were designed in Coventorware® software having size of 640µm×640µm, 720µm×720µm and 960µm×960µm. These devices were fabricated on polyimide substrate to facilitate the bending. The maximum bending radius of curvature varies between 1 cm to 2 cm ensuring total compatibility of mounting on human hand. The devices can be mounted on robotic or prosthetic fingertips since the radii of robotic fingertips of the index finger and thumb are 1.0 cm and 3.5 cm respectively. Besides robotics or prosthetics, these bendable devices can be utilized with high proficiency in game controllers, collision recognition, human motion monitoring system etc. The novelty of this work lies in the double UV-LIGA fabrication process where two layers of proof mass system was deployed in accelerometer. To maintain the integrity of the polyimide layers, low temperature fabrication process was followed. Sensitivity as high as 194 fF/g was observed during characterization which demonstrates a six-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the state-of-the-art.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Liberal Arts

How U.S. Companies Secure Their Interests in the Middle East: Corporate Influence in Foreign Policy

Presenter: DeAnne Hurtado, Political Science Graduate Student

Mentor: Dr. Herschel Thomas

Abstract:

Recent studies of corporate lobbying utilize longitudinal data to understand how U.S. businesses seek to influence government decision-making (Drutman 2015). This paper extends this line of research by focusing on U.S. companies who engage in foreign policy lobbying to protect and maintain their interests in the Middle East. Due to the recent and continuous wave of revolutionary change in the region, U.S. foreign policy can affect who wins and who loses among business interests. Through content analysis of lobbying disclosure reports, this paper examines U.S. corporate lobby ing related to fifteen countries within the Middle East (e.g. Turkey, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) from 2008-2016. I explain how much these organizations lobby as a function of threats of instability in the Middle East, their assets in particular countries, and government attention to foreign policy.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Liberal Arts

The Emotional Healing Behind Words: The Emotional, Psychological, and Spiritual Healing in Writing Poetry

Presenter: Esther Kentish, English Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Kenton Rambsy

Abstract:

At age 6, I had to make my homeless mother a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with inexperienced hands. At age 8, I used those same hands to help with her burial. At age 15, I had to protect myself from emotional and domestic abuse. These experiences are the basis for major themes in my writing within my recent publication, "The Emotional Healing Behind Words." Poetry is a living, literary organism designed as a structural catalyst for human beings to be expressive. Poetry allows individuals to reflect on difficult facets of life in order to reveal pertinent information about themselves and the world around them. This research presents a poetic corpus and critical metadata analyses organized to examine emotional, psychological, and spiritual development over time.The specific linguistic feature which contribute to the structure of my poems and others provides the basis for my research. In this project, I use Voyant Tools to perform a cross- textual written and metadata analyses of a collection of self-authored poems that appear in The Emotional Healing of Words poetry anthology. First, I extract numerical data in my poems related to frequently used words and lexical densities to identify notable trends in my writing. Second, I utilized the text analyses to define quantitative and statistical correlations between the thematic and literary content and actual words. The examination of particular poems through the means of text-mining and a close reading conduction to explore both literary and quantitative elements of the corpus at large. Third, I studied literary and quantitative elements that are examined in the book are grammatical nuances, raw frequency, lexical complicity, and word density. As a result, the quantitative binary between the actual words and the numerical findings produce findings that help the human race reach a closer understanding of God, the world around them, and their innate selves.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Continental hydroclimate during the late Paleocene-early Eocene greenhouse condition in the Greater Green River Basin, SW Wyoming, U.S.A.

Presenter: Min Gao, Earth and Environmental Science Graduate Student

Mentor: Majie Fan

Abstract:

Understanding of continental climate characteristics during warm periods in geologic past can shed lights on future climate and environment when Earth’s atmospheric CO2 concentration (pCO2) increases significantly by fossil fuels burning. Last greenhouse condition on the Earth happened during the late Paleocene to early Eocene (LPEE, ~59-52 million years ago). The warm period was well expressed in high-resolution benthic foraminifera oxygen isotope record, showing a 4-6 °C increase in ocean bottom temperature (Zachos et al., 2001). Despite the fact that rich amount of paleoclimate data have been produced recently from continental records, the responses of continental climate and environment to the global warming during the LPEE remain poorly understood, in part, due to the lack of high-resolution, continuous record in continental interiors. In this study, we build a high-resolution, continuous bulk organic carbon isotope record documenting early Paleogene (~65-53 million years ago) continental climate in the Greater Green River Basin, southwestern Wyoming. In addition, we reconstruct the pCO2 during this warm period using carbon isotope compositions in paleosol carbonates. Our preliminary results show that the carbon isotope ratio dropped up to 4 ‰ during the LPEE, consistent with previous marine and continental records. Our reconstructed pCO2 during the earliest Eocene (~55-53 million years ago) is 600-1200 ppm, which is 2-3 times higher than today and implies the temperature was warmer than today. Mean annual precipitation will be estimated using the chemical index of alteration without potassium to test whether continental climate was wetter or drier during the warm periods.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization – mass spectrometry for the characterization of groundwater microbiome

Presenter: Misty Martin, Chemistry and Biochemistry Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Kevin Schug

Group Members: Ines Santos, Doug Carlton, Jr., Zacariah L. Hildenbrand

Abstract:

Groundwater serves as the main drinking water source for over 50% of the American population. The introduction of environmental stressors into groundwater, such as unconventional gas drilling (UD) contamination, can contribute to the evolution and adaptation of pathogenic microorganisms present in groundwater. The presence of pathogenic bacteria poses as a health concern as groundwater provides a method of dissemination for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, which can continue to proliferate even after water treatment. Therefore, it is essential to assess the groundwater microbiome and the presence of pathogenic bacteria, which may stem from the environmental contamination. Typically, molecular techniques are used to characterize microbial ecology, but can be quite expensive and time-consuming. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) has proved to be a significant alternative to these techniques as it allows for a more rapid and cost-efficient identification of microorganisms. In this work, the groundwater microbiome was assessed in groundwater contaminated with natural gas using MALDI-TOF MS coupled with the SARAMIS microorganism database. The bacteria were isolated using the membrane filter technique and cultured in different selective media. Identifications were confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility was also determined. A total of 25 bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Of these, over 90% matched the RNA sequencing results. Bacillus spp. were the most prevalent organisms identified. Five species have been previously identified as human pathogens: Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. For antibiotic susceptibility testing, these 5 were resistant to most of the tested antibiotics.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Gas chromatography and metal analysis of produced water treatment with Brita filter

Presenter: Chuong Nguyen, Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Student

Mentor: Kevin A. Schug, Ph.D.

Group Members: Doug Carlton, Ph.D. and Tiffany Liden

Abstract:

Unconventional drilling operations, also known as hydraulic fracturing has been the main process used in creating natural gas wells in the United States. Many fracking sites are located in large cities, closed to residential areas. Sometimes, fracking well malfunctions, spilling thousands of gallons of produced waste water and pose a threat of contaminating underground or surface water reservoir. Produced water is often contaminated with a complex mixture of salts, volatile and semi-volatile organics, metals, organic acids, and particulates, as well as additives from the drilling process. In this study, we tested ability of the wastewater treatment using a household grade Brita pitcher filter which uses coconut-based activated carbon with ion exchange resin. In normal usage, a Brita filter can be used with up to 40 gallons of tap water to reduce chlorine taste and odor, zinc, and harmful contaminants copper, mercury and cadmium. Some analytical instruments used were GC-FID, GC-MS, TOC, XRF in qualitatively and quantitatively analysis. Brita filter with coconut based activated carbon was found able to reduce a range of organic and inorganic chemicals in produced water but not enough to be below safe drinking standards.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Computational Studies of Crystalline and Amorphous Silicon Nitrides

Presenter: Ilia Ponomarev, Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Student

Mentor: Peter Kroll

Group Members: Rachel Lopes

Abstract:

Silicon nitride is a hard solid with high melting point. Silicon-nitride-based materials, both crystalline and amorphous, find a broad spectrum of high-tech applications such as turbocharges in automobile engines, ball bearings, space rocket engines, medical equipment, and cutting tools.

Better insight in local structure amorphous of silicon nitride can benefit in expanding the range of potential applications and lowering the cost of siicon-nitride-based materials. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a method that is capable of providing such kind of information, but first we need to figure out how changes of local environment of atoms reflect on NMR parameters. This is where quantum-chemical calculations are necessary.

In this study we investigate NMR of crystalline and amorphous silicon nitride compounds using Density-Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and Gauge Including Projected Augmented Wave (GIPAW) method. We calculate NMR parameters of known crystalline silicon nitrides to establish gauge between computed values and experimentally measured ones. NMR calculations for hypothetical crystalline structures of silicon nitride as well as distorted known ones allow us to relate changes in local structure of Si atom to changes in Si-29 NMR chemical shifts. We compare these relations to the ones known for silicon oxide systems. We also find out what chemical shift 5-coordinated silicon is supposed to have in nitride systems.

We model amorphous silicon nitride using modified Wooten-Winer-Wearie (WWW) network algorithm and compute NMR parameters of these models, and use relations established for crystalline models to interpretation of NMR of amorphous silicon nitride materials.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Surfactant Based Coacervation in Protein Extraction

Presenter: Halie Rion, Chemistry and Biochemistry Undergraduate Student

Mentor: Morteza Khaledi

Group Members: Stephan Clayton, Amir Koolivand

Abstract:

Surfactant coacervation refers to a two-phase system in which both a dilute aqueous phase and a surfactant-rich phase exist in equilibrium with one another. Surfactant based coacervate formation can be induced by perfluoro alcohols and acids under various conditions. The combination of a surfactant (Sodium Cholate, Sodium Deoxycholate, Tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, and Cetrimonium bromide) and a perfluoro alcohol/acid under differing conditions (such as pH and NaCl concentration) were evaluated for the extraction of model proteins. In each system, a washing procedure such as, acetone precipitation, methanol/chloroform precipitation, or ethyl acetate back extraction, was performed to remove surfactants from the separated coacervate phases. The optimal systems were utilized to extract and enrich proteins from the lysate of baker yeast cells, a well-known organism in the study of proteomics. The yeast cells were grown for 12 generations and lysed with a mechanical lysing method. The protein concentration was measured by a Bradford protein assay. The coacervate systems in cell lysate were then prepared by adding enough surfactant (25-50 mM) and 10-20 % (v/v) coacervators, such as hexafluoro-2-propanol. The recovered concentrations of proteins in both the aqueous and the coacervate phases were measured for comparison. These results showed that more than 70% of the proteins were enriched in the coacervate phase. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the coacervate phase, the coacervate phase extracted more membrane proteins compared to the aqueous phase. These results indicate potential for the use of surfactant based coacervation in protein extraction and therefore, may be applicable in membrane proteomics where the lower abundance of membrane proteins creates challenges which limit both detection and identification.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award College of Science

Online SFE-SFC-MS for Direct Extraction and Analysis of Designer Drugs in Urine Samples

Presenter: A. Paige Wicker, Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Student

Mentor: Kevin A. Schug

Group Members: Changling Qiu, Volodymyr Pauk, Karel Lemr, Vladimir Havlicek

Abstract:

Every year new designer drugs flood the recreational drug market as substitutes for controlled substances. These isomeric drugs maintain the bioactivity of traditional drugs, while limiting their analytical determination by currently established methods. Coupling supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) on-line with supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is a relatively new technique in the realm of analytical chemistry. It holds with it the promise of minimal sample preparation, minimal sample loss or contamination, and a tremendous decrease in total analysis time. The purpose of this work is to identify and optimize the most important parameters for detecting designer drugs by SFE-SFC/MS to keep up with their fast development. Parameters optimized included chromatography modifier, makeup solvent flow, time of extraction (both static and dynamic), extraction modifier, and back pressure regulator split ratio. Urine was used to evaluate biological matrix effects in SFC-MS. Preliminary data shows low makeup flow increases signal intensity, while high makeup flow shortens retention time and improves peak shape. Extraction is optimized with low addition of modifier during static stage, and addition of no modifier during dynamic stage. SFE-SFC provides a platform for analyte extraction, separation, and identification, all in a single analysis. In combination with mass spectrometry, SFE-SFC is a desirable technique for toxicological and clinical analyses, such as the rapid identification of new designer drugs in biological fluids.

Office of Research Poster Presentation Award School of Social Work

Understanding Mental Health Literacy in a Primary Care Setting: Examining the Relationship between Depression Stigma, Depression Knowledge and Education Level of Hispanic Patients

Presenter: Veronica Lopez, Social Work Graduate Student

Mentor: Katherine Sanchez

Abstract:

Depression is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Incorporating mental health literacy tools in a healthcare setting may improve the tools used for early detection of mental illness and can help engage a patient into treatment. The study examines the relationship between stigma and depression knowledge and examines if education level can predict stigma and depression knowledge. Participants were from a Fort Worth community clinic, screened positive for depression. The baseline measures collected and examined were the depression knowledge(DKM), social distance(SD), stigma concerning mental health care(SCMHC) and Latino scale for antidepressant stigma(LSAS) Measures, all collected prior to treatment.

Of the 350 participants, nearly all participants were Spanish speaking (94.9 %) with a mean age of 38.81 (SD=10.60). Almost two-thirds of the sample had less than a high school education (63.7%) and 14.0% had at least some college education. DKM scores were significantly correlated with SCMHC scores (r=-.118, p=.029) and with social distance(SD) scores (r=.157, p=.003), albeit weakly. DKM scores (F[2, 336]=16.181, p<.001), social distance(SD) scores (F[2, 339]=3.665, p=.027), and LSAS scores (F[2, 336]=3.152, p=.044) significantly varied amount education groups. In each case, participants with some or more college education reported significantly greater depression knowledge and less stigma surrounding mental health issues than participants with lower education levels. In conclusion, the study suggests that obtaining a well-rounded picture of the client’s education level, stigma through the measures, and depression knowledge may allow for a more thoughtful application of an intervention that can help engage a Hispanic client into treatment.